Apparatus and method for controlling a plasma fusion reactor

Abstract

Embodiments of a plasma fusion energy reactor based on Bussard's Polywell concept. The apparatus of the embodiments include interior, electron-extraction electrodes to remove cold, trapped electrons and replace them with hot electrons. Hot electrons efficiently confine a dense, hot plasma fuel. The method of the embodiments discloses a procedure for controlling the reactor during its start-up phase of operation. During start-up the reactor is changed from being in a cold, empty state to being in a stable steady-state of energy production. Reliable computer simulation predicts that in steady-state the disclosed apparatus and method will produce usable net-power continuously and for an indefinite period of operation. The full-scale reactor design is suitable for replacing most of the world's existing coal-fired power production with a clean, safe energy production alternative.